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Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Rhapsody in Black: Gil Scott-Heron

Vernon Neal is the host of the podcast ‘Rhapsody in Black,’ where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music.


Host/Producer

Vernon Neal

Gil Scott-Heron was a self-described ‘bluesologist’ and a bold voice of social activism in music in the 1970s and ‘80s. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.


Rhapsody in Black - 20250220

Rhapsody in Black

Provided

Gil Scott-Heron's message for the 1970s — and today

Calling all young Minnesota artists ages 14 to 28! The 2026 Karin Larson YourClassical Prize is open for entries.

Showcase your talent for your chance to win a cash prize and a recording studio session. Entries will be accepted through March 31, 2026. Find the entry form, all the guidelines and rules, meet our past winners, and learn more about Karin Larson below.

Questions? Contact karinlarsonprize@mpr.org


The Karin Larson YourClassical Prize

Class Notes is currently seeking artists/ensembles to join our roster for the 2026-27 school year! Applications are due Wednesday, March 4, 2026.


bassist and flautist in elementary classroom

Courtney Perry

Apply to be a Class Notes Artist

New Classical Tracks (extended interview): Christopher Tin

New Classical Tracks - 20260204

Julie Amacher's desire to introduce others to great music is what led her to radio. She began her professional broadcast career at a station in Sun Prairie, Wis. She went from rock 'n' roll to the Rocky Mountains, where she found her niche in public radio at KUNC in Greeley, Colo. Julie spent 13 years at KUNC, where she managed the announcers and their eclectic music format. During that time, she earned four national awards for best announcer. She joined Minnesota Public Radio in 1997 as an on-air host and also produces New Classical Tracks, a weekly podcast sharing behind-the-scenes stories about a new release each week. It airs locally at 7:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. on Saturdays.


Julie Amacher

On the latest episode of ‘New Classical Tracks,’ conductor Joel Rinsema and choral ensemble Kantorei present their latest album, featuring a commissioned piece by composer Christopher Tin about holding space for joy in times of darkness. Listen now with host Julie Amacher!


A large choir giving a concert in a performance space

Behind-The-Scenes: Rehearsing 'Song Offerings' with Kantorei

New Classical Tracks® 

Daniel Herman

Kantorei and Joel Rinsema commission Christopher Tin for new recording

Minnesota Orchestra - Jan. 30, 2026

Minnesota Orchestra - January 16, 2026

Minnesota Orchestra - January  9, 2026

Guest conductor Fabien Gabel led the Minnesota Orchestra in music by Debussy, Dukas, Shin and Roussel, with an appearance by Principal Violist Rebecca Albers. Listen to the concert now.


Minnesota Orchestra - January 30, 2026

Meet YourClassical MPR's Melissa Ousley

Thomas Søndergård: Taken by the Sound | Minnesota Orchestra

Celebrating a Century on the Airwaves

Minnesota Orchestra

Courtesy of the Artist

Listen: Gabel and Albers perform a U.S. premiere with the Minnesota Orchestra

Minnesota Opera: 'My Name is Florence' interview

Steve Staruch can be heard on Classical Minnesota Public Radio on Monday mornings and at other times during the week. Prior to joining the staff of MPR in 2004, Steve presented a variety of radio programs on WCAL in Northfield, Minn., where he created an immensely popular call-in program, and on WXXI in Rochester, New York. Outside radio, Steve also enjoys work as a freelance tenor and violist. Steve and his wife, Naomi, enjoy traveling, gardening and hosting dinner parties.


Steve Staruch

On Jan. 31, the Minnesota Opera presented the world premiere of ‘My Name is Florence.’ Listen as host Steve Staruch speaks to members of the cast — then tune in to enjoy our live broadcast of this exciting production at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, on YourClassical MPR.


Minnesota Opera

Liam James Doyle for MPR News

The Minnesota Opera presents 'My Name is Florence'

Extra Eclectic - Feb. 2, 2026

As ‘Extra Eclectic’ moves to its new Monday evening time slot, host Steve Seel centers the show’s first hour on themes of “a new day,” including works by John Adams, Thomas Ades and Dobrinka Tabakova. Listen now!


Extra Eclectic

A new day

Minnesota Opera - Romeo and Juliet

Minnesota Opera presents Gounod’s ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ a story about timeless love and family feuds. Listen to the concert now!


MN Opera's Romeo and Juliet: “Amour, ranime mon courage”

Ken Howard

Listen: Minnesota Opera presents 'Romeo and Juliet'

An ecstatic exploration of classical music that’s aesthetically and uncompromisingly Black.

Rhapsody in Black - Moses Hogan

Choir director Moses Hogan, who died at 45 in 2003, built community through worship and song. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.


"Elijah Rock"--Moses Hogan Chorale

The Battle of Jericho | SATB divisi Choir | Arr. Moses Hogan

Wikipedia

Moses Hogan created community through worship 

Extra Eclectic - Jan. 28, 2026

On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, we’re looking skyward, toward both the sun and the stars. Selections include music by Meredith Monk, Max Richter, Terry Riley and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel! 


MPR Hero Stories